I have a 12 SEER RHEEM that's about 10 years old. The rubber push button on the high pressure switch has dried up and fallen off, leaving it susceptible to debris, insects, moisture, etc..
It has tripped four or five times, and I had been able to reset it with a small awl. But this time, I think it is toast. It no longer resets, but I can see and hear the relay contact close when i put my awl into the reset switch opening.
There doesn't look to be any visible "switch" in there, perhaps it rusted out.
Its April in Texas, about 78 degrees right now. I have ran it before earlier in the year, after having to reset the switch. But it has not run at all in about two weeks.
My questions are:
- Is it most likely the condition of the switch that is causing the problem? Or do I really have a high pressure situation?
- The capillary line looks like it is soldered right inline with the system. No way I can replace just the switch itself?
- What about bypassing the switch altogether with a jumper. The indoor thermostat will still cycle the compressor right?
- What do you think a good price is to get the HPS replaced? I've seen online the neweset RHEEM part that replaces it. Old 47-21604-03, New 47-100326-01. .25. So to evacuate the system and put a new switch inline plus labor sounds expensive.